Can Malayalam actor Asif Ali achieve victory in two consecutive major Onam releases? The conditions appear to be favorable for such an outcome. Following the release of Kishkindha Kaandam in 2024, Asif's upcoming film Tiki Taka is poised to compete against Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Vilayath Buddha during Onam 2025.

What heightens the excitement for audiences is that Tiki Taka is set to be a high-budget action film, marking Asif's return to a 'mass' role after a significant hiatus. In an exclusive interview with OTTplay, director Rohith VS, known for his work on Tovino Thomas’s Kala and Asif’s Adventures of Omanakuttan and Ibilis, shared, “Tiki Taka is scheduled for an Onam release. It’s a major cinematic project, which is why we aim for it to debut during the festive season.”

Rohith is among the few directors with whom Asif has consistently embraced creative experimentation. “In a sense, this film serves as my tribute to him,” the director remarked, noting that he has refrained from pursuing a fully commercial project until now.

Asif Ali’s Tiki Taka is an action entertainer: Rohith VS

He states, "While it may not be classified as a high-octane action film, it will certainly be distinct. However, this distinction does not pertain to the narrative or the underlying concept. I aim to present it in a novel way, which is a first for me in this market. My hope is that it aligns with the recent trend of well-received entertainment. In my earlier films, the concept took precedence, and I focused on expanding upon that.".”

In an era where numerous major films announce sequels even before the initial release, how does Tiki Taka, featuring Lukman Avaran, Naslen, Wamiqa Gabbi, Sanchana Natarajan, and Harisree Ashokan, compare?

The director shares, “We have considered various possibilities during the film's development, and the groundwork has been laid. However, everything hinges on its commercial performance. We intend to release it in all four South Indian languages as well as Hindi. Our decision to do so is not solely based on it being an action film; rather, the film's fundamental themes are universal, which is why we believe it has the potential to resonate with audiences everywhere.”

‘Asif Ali was confident about Tiki Taka’s pan-Indian potential’

Asif, who had developed his physique for the film, suffered a ligament injury during the initial shooting schedule. After his recovery, he had to undergo the entire training process once more and is now fit to continue filming. "From a performance perspective, this is the first time the audience will witness him in such a role. We began developing the film over three years ago, and he has been involved from the outset. His marketability has certainly improved over the past year, but this project was approved even before that, as the production team believed that Tiki Taka had significant potential," Rohith explains.

When asked how Asif's newfound confidence from recent successes influences his portrayal of John Denver in the film, the director responds, "John Denver is a character brimming with confidence, yet the film also explores his moments of vulnerability. Interestingly, we filmed for 10-12 days during the first schedule, focusing primarily on the character's low points. Asif's confidence has evolved, and we are eager to see how this will enhance his performance."

In the meantime, Asif's upcoming theatrical release will be debutant Sethunath Padmakumar's Abhyanthara Kuttavali, set to premiere on April 17. This will be followed by Thamar KV's Sarkeet on May 5. Additionally, the actor has completed filming for Jeethu Joseph's Mirage, where he will once again share the screen with Aparna Balamurali.

Read Also: Painkili on OTT: A Must-Watch Malayalam Film Starring Anaswara Rajan & Sajin Gopu!

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